The Programme
The new BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing programme at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) utilises a block and blend format that allows students to ‘earn as they learn’. The teaching theory content is delivered via distance/online learning and complimented by six short, intensive three-day blocks (weekdays only), concentrating on clinical skills and support sessions on the Glasgow campus. These are spread out over each academic year. All students must be working in practice (under the supervision of a suitably qualified practitioner) for the duration of their training period but can do this from any location in Scotland (or the UK). The programme has been designed to integrate the workplace experience and training into the teaching and assessment for this qualification. The programme is a three-year bachelor’s degree programme and a registrable degree. Therefore, students can register as Dispensing Opticians with the GOC at the point of graduation (without any external final assessments).
While students can earn a salary as a trainee dispensing optician, eligible applicants will also be able to apply for SAAS funding to cover the fees (for more information see – Check your Fee Status). Admissions are currently open, via UCAS and the first cohort will start in September 2026.
The entry requirements are BCC (Highers) or equivalent, including one science from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Human Biology plus National 5 English and Maths at B. However, it should also be noted that GCU has a comprehensive policy on recognition or prior learning, and we will review all relevant qualifications and experience for eligibility. Please contact the admissions tutor if you have any queries.
If you are an employer, see our FAQ section for more details on what is required to support a student on the programme (Employer FAQs). You can also contact the team (details below) if you have any other questions.
More information and Contact Details
For more information details about the programme, the UCAS link or applying to GCU in general, please see the website: BSc Ophthalmic Dispensing at GCU.
The admissions tutor and programme lead are happy to chat about entry requirements and eligibility and potential options that will allow students to meet the entry requirements in the future.
- Admissions tutor: Dr Gael Gordon – g.gordon@gcu.ac.uk
- Programme Lead: Dr Catriona MacLennan – catriona.maclennan@gcu.ac.uk
For all general queries around fees, funding and applications to GCU, you can also contact the application enquiry team: studentenquiries@gcu.ac.uk
Why study Ophthalmic Dispensing at GCU?:
- This is the only programme of it’s kind in Scotland
- It is a registrable degree, so students will be able to register with the GOC as Dispensing Opticians at the point of graduation.
- Earn as you Learn allows you to work and live across Scotland (or the UK)
- Eligible* Scottish students can apply for SAAS funding to cover their fees on the course.
- The programme is delivered by a multi-disciplinary Vision Science team that integrates specialist support from across all optical professions and specialities.
*For more information on eligibility for SAAS funding, check out your status: Check your Fee Status.
For more information on the new programme see the GCU website here.